PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) lacks the manpower needed to optimally manage the country's borders, home minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said today.
Saifuddin said the agency was still strengthening its organisation after taking over the border control role from various agencies, including the immigration department and the customs department.
"As of Sept 23, AKPS had 8,403 personnel, a number seen as insufficient for optimal operations in managing all of the country's 123 entry points," he said in a written parliamentary reply.
He said the home ministry was creating and filling new posts, prioritising operations at entry points with higher risks, traffic, and cargo.
These posts would be filled in phases over the next five years.
The agency was also rationalising and optimising personnel deployment based on risk factors and actual operational needs to ensure efficient use of human resources without affecting border security.
"AKPS is also continuing to work with other core agencies in this transition period, including for operational coordination, resource sharing and enforcement support as needed," he said.
He was replying to Khlir Nor (Bersatu-Ketereh), who asked about the ministry's measures to address AKPS's manpower shortage.
AKPS was allocated 8,403 positions at its launch.